Computing machine



Dec. 10, 1968 A. HEYER 3,415,447

COMPUTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 27, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 /r7 ventor:

Dec. 10, 1968 A. HEYER 3,415,447

COMPUT ING MACHINE Filed Oct. 27. 1966 3 heets-Sheet 2 3g 22 L 23 J as 23 lnven for: ,4 mm lid er 7 Attuncy Dec. 10, 1968 A. HEYER 3,415,447

COMPUTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 27, 1966 5 heets-Sheet 5 Fly. 4

In venior:

Arm:

fitter-AC] V United States Patent 3,415,447 COMPUTING MACHINE Arno Heyer, 12 Ludwigstrasse, 7314 Woman (Neckar),

Germany Filed Oct. 27, 1966, Ser. No. 589,589

Claims priority, application Germany, Oct. 28, 1965,

H 57,540 13 Claims. (Cl. 235-60) The present invention relates to a computing or calculating machine of the type comprising a totalizer having totalizer wheels, an actuating mechanism adapted to actuate the totalizer and counting means for counting the number of actuations. Calculating machines of this type are capable of performing addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a miniaturized machine of this type which is so small and compact that a person can carry it conveniently in his pocket. It is a further object to provide a small portable calculating machine which in spite of its miniaturized dimensions is of rugged and simple structure ensuring reliable operation and long life.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a calculating machine of miniaturized and rugged structure which is foolproof and can be easily operated.

These objects are attained according to one aspect of the invention by the provision of a rotary totalizer in which the totalizer wheels are journaled in a rotary support for rotation about spaced parallel axes circumferentially distributed on a cylindrical surface and located in different parallel planes intersecting the axis of rotation of the support, the means for actuating this rotary totalizer comprising a stack of superimposed rows of teeth mounted within the frame of the calculating machine for successive engagement with the totalizer wheels upon rotation of the totalizer, each tooth being movable in the stack towards and away from the totalizer into engaging position and into a retracted position, such movement of the teeth being etfected by adjustable denominational multiplicand setting members mounted in the frame of the calculating machine, each setting member being coordinated to one of the rows of teeth and connected with the teeth therein for moving a selected number of teeth representing a denomination of a multiplicand into engaging position while retracting the remainder of the teeth of the row into retracted position.

Further features of the present invention will appear from the accompanying claims.

Further objects of the present invention will appear from a detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof following hereinafter with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that such detailed description serves the purpose of explaining rather than that of restricting or limiting the present invention.

In the drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the miniaturized calculating machine embodying the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the machine shown on an enlarged scale, the top plate of the housing being omitted to expose the stack of teeth to view,

FIG. 3 is a more or less diagrammatic sectional view, the section being taken along the plane 3-3 of FIG. 2, the rotary support of the totalizer and the means for counting the number of rotations of the totalizer being omitted for sake of a simplified illustration,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the plane 4-4 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 4, the rotary totalizer being omitted, and

FIG. 6 is a development of part of the periphery of an 3,415,447 Patented Dec. 10, 1968 annular rotary cam for the stepwise displacement of the totalizer into sequential axial positions.

As shown in FIG. 1 the frame or housing 1 of the calculating machine has flat top and bottom plates spaced about one inch and a length of about ten inches. The width of the housing amounts to about 2.5 inches. This frame or housing may consist of a light metal or of a suitable plastic. The means for actuating the totalizer wheels comprises a stack 4 composed of superimposed rows of adjacent rod-shaped teeth. The teeth of each row are disposed in adjacent relationship so as to form a layer extending parallel to the top and bottom plates of the frame 1. In the instant embodiment there are provided five such layers each comprising nine parallel rod-shaped teeth 40. The superimposed layers are separated by interposed horizontal partitions 24 which are fixed to the frame or housing in spaced parallel relationship one above the other. Each rod-shaped tooth 40 is movable lengthwise within the stack 4 between the partitions 24 towards and away from the totalizer described hereinafter into engaging position and into a retracted position. Adjustable denominational multiplicand setting members 5 are mounted within the housing or frame, each setting member being coordinated to one of the layers or rows of teeth 40 and con nected with the teeth therein for moving a selected number of teeth into engaging position while retracting the remainder of the teeth into a retracted position. Each of these multiplicand setting members is formed by a slide 5 which is guided for lengthwise sliding motion within a groove 25 provided within the frame or housing 1. Each rod-shaped tooth 40 is provided with a transverse recess 23 in its top face. The recesses of the adjacent rod-shaped teeth communicate to form a passage extending transversely through the stack 4. The slide 5 extends through such passage and is provided with a knob 17 extending outwardly through a slot 18 provided in the cover plate of the housing 1. By means of this knob 17 the slide 5 can be manually adjusted to any one of ten positions, each position representing a denominational digit of a multiplicand.

Each slide 5 has two relatively offset sections connected by a cam portion 26 which extends at an acute angle to the guiding groove 25. The transverse recess 23' of each rod-shaped tooth extends parallel to the camshaped portion 26 of the slide 5. The width of the recess 23 is so dimensioned that the slide 5 engages the obliquely oppositely located edges of each groove 23. Preferably, each slide 5 and the groove 25 accommodating it is slightly curved as will appear from FIG. 2, the slides and the grooves being disposed in spaced parallel relationship. When the parts assume the zero position illustrated in FIG. 2, the right-hand section of each slide 5 engages the recesses 23' and holds the teeth in retracted position. When the slide 5 is moved towards the right with reference to FIG. 2 until the cam-shaped portion 26 enters the passage formed by the adjacent recesses 23', the cam-shaped portion will move the rod-shaped teeth successively in the direction towards the totalizer into engaging position. In this position the teeth will be held by the left-hand section of the slide 5.

The length of the slide is at least twice the width of the row of teeth engageable by the slide and the cam portion 26 is disposed substantially in the middle of the length of the slide 5. The selected number of teeth moved into engaging position represents a denomination of the multiplicand. Upon completion of the calculating operation, the teeth may be restored to the zero position by movement of the slides 5 to the position shown in FIG. 2. In the course of such movement the cam portions 26 will retract the teeth 40. The distance of the cam portion 26 from the knob 17 must equaiat least the transverse width of the stack 4 in order to enable all of the teeth 41 59 to be moved to engaging position or into the retracted position.

Each slide 5 is provided with a pointed tip 27 at its end opposite to that carrying the knob 17. This tip 27 facilitates the entrance and penetration of the slide 5 into and through the passage formed by the adjacent recesses 23. The groove guiding each slide 5 extends on both sides of the stack 4 of teeth, as shown in FIG. 2.

The embodiment shown is designed for calculations involving a multiplicand having five denominations. Accordingly, there are provided five rows 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e of teeth and five mnltiplicand setting members 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e. As shown in FIG. 2, the rod-shaped teeth of each row are of equal length but the teeth of the lowermost row 4e are longer than the teeth of the next higher row 4d and these are longer than the teeth of the next higher row etc. The various lengths of the superimposed rows of teeth are so stepped, that each transverse passageway formed by the adjacent recesses 23 is exposed at its top for engagement by the slide 5 which may be formed by an upright strip-shaped member.

Suitable resilient detent means may be provided to resiliently detain each slide 5 in any one of its adjusted ten positions. As such detent means are well known in the art, they need not be described nor shown in the drawings. The adjusted ten positions are spaced a dis tance corresponding to the width of each rod-shaped tooth. Therefore, each slide 5 may be moved stepwise to thereby displace the teeth of the coordinated row successively into the engaging position.

Preferably, the position of each slide 5 is indicated by suitable means such as a window 19 provided in the top plate of the housing for exposing one of the ten digits engraved in the top surface of each slide 5. Hence, each adjusted position of each slide 5 is indicated by one of the digits which will appear in the window 19. Therefore, a multiplicand having five digits may be readily set up by means of the knobs 17.

A restoring member 13 is movably mounted in the frame 1 for engagement with and restoration of the multiplicand setting members 5a5e to their initial positions shown in FIG. 2 in which they keep all of the teeth 40 in their retracted positions. In the embodiment shown, the restoring member 13 is formed by a bar provided at its center with an upright knob 20 extending upwardly through a guide slot 12 provided in the top plate of the housing 1 and extending parallel to the guide slots 25. The bar 13 is provided at its bottom with projections each extending into one of the guide slots 25. When the knob 20 is shifted from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the left, the downward projections of the bar 13 will engage the tips 27 and will move the slides 5a5e to the zero positions illustrated in FIG. 2. The restoration of all of the slides by operation of the single knob 20 is of particular advantage when addition or subtraction is to be performed requiring that different amounts be rapidly and successively set up by means of the slides 511-52.

The rotary totalizer is composed of the following elements:

(1) A support 28 mounted in the frame or housing 1 for rotation about a vertical central totalizer axis which coincides with the axis of a central knob 55 shown in FIG. 4, the support 28 being mounted for both rotation and stepwise displacement along the totalizer axis into sequential axial positions spaced equal distances;

(2) A plurality of denominational totalizer wheels 6a, 6b, 6c, etc. 6i mounted in the support 28 for rotation about individual axes which extend parallel to the central totalizer axis and are circumferentially distributed on an imaginary cylindrical surface which coaxially surrounds the central totalizer axis.

These totalizer wheels are located in different parallel planes which intersect the totalizer axis at right angles and are spaced the aforementioned distances;

(3) Ten-carrying means for rotating each totalizer wheel of one denomination by an angular unit upon completion of the rotation of the totalizer wheel of the next lower denomination through ten units.

When the rotary support 28 assumes its lowermost axial position, the totalizer wheels 6a-6e are in registry with the layers la-4e of teeth 40. Each totalizer wheel is fixed to a vertical shaft 9 journaled in the support 28 at a distance from the central axis thereof. For this purpose the support 28 is composed of circular parallel top and bottom plates interconnected by suitable vertical members.

The ten-carrying means for each totalizer wheel includes a cam fixed to the totalizer wheel. These cams are illustrated in FIG. 3 at 7a-7h as being fixedly connected to the respective totalizer wheels by the shafts 9.

Moreover, the ten-carrying means for each totalizer wheel includes a coordinated transfer gear which meshes with the next one of said totalizer wheels and is rotatably mounted in the support 28 for engagement by the cam. These transfer gears are shown in FIG. 3 at 8a-8h. Each cam is mounted at the same level as the totalizer wheel of the following denomination.

Hence, it will appear that each transfer gear 8'is located between the associated cam 7 and the totalizer wheel 6 of the next higher denomination and meshes therewith. Each transfer wheel sa-8h is fixed to a shaft 10 which is freely rotatably mounted in the support 28.

The rotary support 28 may be manually rotated about its central vertical axis. For this purpose the support 28 is provided with a handle formed by a crank pin 16 fixed to and extending upwardly from the top plate 15 of the support 28, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. During the rotation of the rotary support 28 the totalizer wheels 6a-6i perform on orbiting motion around the central axis of the rotary support and during this motion move past the stationary stack 4 of teeth for engagement with and actuation by such of the teeth as have been advanced into engaging position by suitable adjustment of the setting members Sa-Se. Each totalizer wheel is actuated once during any revolution of the rotary totalizer support 28.

Hence, it will appear that the rod-shaped teeth 40 projected into engaging position in accordance with the numbers appearing in the window 19 will mesh with the totalizer wheels 6 located in the planes of the layers or rows 411-42 and will be turned as many pitches as teeth in such layers have been projected into engaging position. The amount set up in the rotary totalizer upon actuation thereof is indicated by suitable number wheels 29, each number wheel being coaxially connected with one of the totalizer wheels -6a-6h. Preferably, the number wheels have a larger diameter than the totalizer wheels and overlay each other. In the embodiment shown, each number wheel is fixed to the top of the shaft 9 and is provided with the digits 0-9 for display thereof in a window provided in the top plate 15 of the rotary support 28. In FIG. 4 these windows are shown at 51. They are distributed along a circle coaxially surrounding the axis of the rotary support 28.

Whenever a totalizer wheel 6a6h is moved beyond its 9-position, the cam 7 connected therewith will engage the transfer gear 8a-8h for rotation by one pitch to there by turn the totalizer wheel of the next higher denomination through one angular unit. As the totalizer wheels 6a- 612 are actuated successively one only at a time by the teeth 40, each totalizer wheel is free to be actuated by the cam 7a-7h for the ten-carrying operation. In this manner the amount set up in the window 19 will be fully transferred to the rotary totalizer once during any revolution thereof.

In order to ensure successive actuation of the totalizer wheels 6a-6h by the teeth 40, adjacent shafts 9 must be spaced such a distance that one totalizer Wheel at a time only can mesh with the teeth 40.

The rotary totalizer further comprises clearing gears 11a-11i which are rotatably mounted on the support 28 and are disposed within a common plane, each clearing gear being connected with one of the totalizer wheels for common rotation. In the embodiment shown, each clearing gear 11a11i is fixed to the bottom end of the shaft 9 of the associated totalizer wheel. A manually operable gear 29' shown in FIG. 4 is coaxially disposed with respect to the rotary support 28 and is mounted for movement into and out of engaging position in which it meshes with the clearing gears Ila-11h. Moreover, suitable manual means which may include a lever 30 are provided for moving the manually operable gear 29 into the engaging position and for effecting relative rotation between the manually operable gear 29' and the support 28. This relative rotation will cause the clearing gears 11a-11i to be rotated to the zero position. The clearing gears are multilated so as to become disengaged from the gear 29' upon arrival in the zero position.

Preferably, the gear 29 is non-rotatably mounted on the bottom plate of the frame 1 and is guided for vertical displacement between an upper meshing position in which it meshes with the clearing gears Ila-111' and a disengaged lower position shown in FIG. 4. The lever 30 is pivotally mounted in the housing and has an arm (not shown) which engages the gear 29' and is capable of lifting or lowering the same.

When it is desired to clear the rotary totalizer, the lever 30 is manually operated so as to lift the gear 29' into its upper meshing position and then the rotary support is rotated through one revolution by means of the crank pin 16 whereby all of the totalizer wheels 6a-6i are restored to their zero positions.

When the operator desires to multiply the multiplicand set up in the window 19 with a multiplier having a plurality of denominations, the calculating operation commences with the rotary totalizer in the lowermost of its sequential axial positions. In this lowermost position the rotary totalizer is manually rotated as many revolutions as are indicated by the lowermost multiplier denomination, this manual rotation being effected in the positive clockwise di-rection. Thereafter the rotary totalizer is lifted into the second one of its sequential axial positions by lifting means to be described hereinafter. Thereupon the rotary totalizer is manually rotated as many revolutions as correspond to the second denomination of the multiplier. As many of such sequential manual operations are carried out as corresponds to the number of multiplier denominations.

The first lifting operation has the effect that the teeth of the layer 4a in which the lowest denomination of the multiplicand is set up will no longer actuate the totalizer wheel 6a but will rather actuate the totalizer wheel 6b representing the next higher denominational unit of the totalizer. Similarly, all of the other totalizer wheels will be actuated by rows of teeth 40 of the next higher denomination of the multiplicand.

Preferably, the rotary totalizer is equipped with more denominations than is the actuating mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the actuating mechanism comprises five rows or layers of teeth 40 whereas the rotary totalizer has eight totalizer wheels. Therefore, multiplication by a four-digit-multiplier may be effected.

The means for stepwise lifting the rotary totalizer into the sequential axial positions will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. I

An annular strip forming a cylindrical cam 23 surrounds the lower portion of the rotary totalizer in coaxial relationship therewith and is mounted for manual rotation within the housing 1 contacting the curved portion of the side wall thereof. A radial pin 31 fixed to the rotary cam 23 extends outwardly for manual rotation of the cam through a circumferential slot 32 provided in the side wall of the housing. The upper edge of the cam 23 is provided with four circumferentially distributed recesses providing inclined edge portions 33. Moreover, the cam 23 is provided with a circumferential slot 36 and the lower edge of this slot is provided with four recesses 37 adapted to be selectively engaged by a suitable detent 35 which is mounted on the inside of the housing and is subjected to the infiuence of a spring (not shown) tending to engage the detent with the selected recess 37. In this manner the pin 31 may be used as a handle for rotating the cam 23 into anyone of four positions indicated in FIG. 1 by the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4.

A second annular strip 22 is coaxially mounted on top of the strip 23 and below the overlying marginal zone of the top plate 15 to rotatably support this top plate and the totalizer support of which it forms a part. The annular strip 22 constitutes a follower means which is guided in the frame or housing 1 for axial displacement. For this purpose, the strip 22 has a vertical slot 38 and an internal pin 39 fixed to the housing 1 extends into the slot 38 thus preventing rotation of the annular strip 22. Moreover, the strip 22 has four downward projections 34 resting on the inclined edges 33.

' Hence, it will appear that the annular strip 22 constitutes follower means mounted on the frame 1 for axially displacing the rotary totalizer upon rotation of the rotary cam 23.

A manual displacement of the radial pin 31 from one detent recess 37 to the next recess will lift the totalizer support 28 a distance corresponding to that of the adjacent horizontal central planes of the layers la-4e. Therefore, successive displacements of the pin 31 through the positions 1-4 indicated in FIG. 1 will successively bring the totalizer wheels 6f-6h into the horizontal planes of the layers 40-42, while the totalizer wheels 6a6c will be lifted above the level of 4a. When the rotary totalizer is manually rotated, the rows of teeth 40 will no longer mesh with the totalizer wheels 6a6e but will rather mesh with the corresponding totalizer wheels 6d6h. The effect of this operation will be explained by reference to the multiplication of the multiplicand with a multiplier having two denominations. In the first phase of this operation, in which the rotary totalizer is in the axial position No. 1, it must be rotated through as many revolutions as corresponds to the lower denomination of the multiplier. In the second phase of the operation in which the rotary multiplier has been lifted to the position No. 2, it must be rotated through as many revolutions as corresponds to the higher denomination of the multiplier.

Preferably, counting means are cooperatively connected with the totalizer support for indicating the number of revolutions performed by the totalizer support 28 in each of its axial positions. For this purpose the cover plate 15 of the rotary totalizer is provided with windows 53 distributed along a circle. Counter-wheels 50 each provided with two series of digits 09 extending in opposite directions are fixed to vertical rotary shafts journaled in the support 28 and are visible through the windows 53. These shafts are adapted to be driven by gears 21a-21d (FIG. 4) disposed at different levels. A cam 52 is fixed to the housing or frame 1 for engagement with and actuation of one of the gears 21a21d which is located at the level of the cam 52. During any revolution of the rotary totalizer one of the gears 21a-21d will be actuated through one pitch by the cam 52. The counting wheels 2151-210 can be restored by manual rotation of a central pinion fixed to the shaft of knob 55. This shaft is axially movably mounted in the support 28. Therefore, the operator may lift the central pinion into engagement with mutilated gears 54a-54d fixed to the shafts of the counting wheels Zia-21d. Subsequent manual operation of the knob 55 will result in a restoration of the counting wheels 21 to zero position.

Preferably, the diameters of the counting gears are large enough so that these counting gears Zia-21d overlap each other.

The totalizer wheels or their shafts are preferably provided with resilient detent means of a known type to prevent overthrow. As such detent means are well known in the art, they need not be described or shown. iAlternatively, the rotary support 28 may be provided with suitable chambers encasing the totalizer wheels or other gears and filled with a lubricant which because of its viscosity will exert sufficient friction on the totalizer wheels to prevent any overthrow beyond the proper angular position. In this manner a faulty operation caused by the momentum of the rotary wheels will be prevented.

The operation of the computing machine will now be described with reference to calculation examples.

Multiplication: 65,795 is to be multiplied by 6,348. The machine is first cleared by suitable manual operation of the knob 20 and by a manual rotation of the rotary totalizer preceded by operation of knob 55 and arm 30. Then the rnultiplicand 65,795 is set up by means of the knobs 17 which are so shifted that the multiplicand will appear in the window 19. Then the rotary totalizer is rotated by means of the crank pin 16 through 8 revolutions in the clockwise direction, 8 being the units denomination of the multiplier. As a result, 8 will appear in the window 53 shown in FIG. 1 in the topmost position. The digits 5, 2, 6, 3, 6, will appear in the windows 51f-51a.

Thereupon, rotary totalizer will be lifted by manual displacement of pin 31, to the position No. 2. Thereupon, the rotary multiplier will again be rotated in clockwise direction until 4 will appear in the window 53 which is the second from the top in FIG. 1. As a result, the amount 3,158,160 will appear in the windows 51. Thereupon, the pin 31 must be manually shifted to the position No. 3 whereupon the rotary totalizer is manually rotated in the clockwise direction until the multiplier digit 3 appears in the window 53 shown in FIG. 1 as the third from the top. As a result, the amount 22,896,660 will be displayed by the windows 51. Finally, the pin 31 is shifted to the position No. 4 whereupon the rotary totalizer is rotated in clockwise direction until 6 appears in the window 50 shown in FIG. 1 as the lowermost window 50. As a result, the final product amounting to 417,666,660 will be displayed by the windows 51.

When division is to be performed, the dividend must be set up by the knobs 17 so that it will be displayed in the window 19. Thereafter this amount is transferred into the totalizer by a single rotation thereof in clockwise direction with pin 31 in the No. 1 position. The dividend Will then be indicated in the windows 51. Thereupon the divisor is set up by the knobs 17 so that it will appear in the window 19. Thereafter pin 31 is shifted a number of steps which corresponds to the difference of the denominations of the divisor and the dividend. Take the example, for instance, that the dividend has five denominations and the divisor has two denominations. The difference amounts to 3. Therefore, pin 31 is shifted three steps to the No. 4 position. Then the divisor is subtractively introduced into the rotary totalizer by manual rotation thereof in the anti-clockwise direction. This rotation is continued until the highest denomination of the amount indicated by the windows 51 will have been reduced to a minimum. Thereafter pin 31 is shifted one step to the right and the rotary totalizer will again be rotated in anti-clockwise direction.

In this operation the counter-wheels 21c are rotated rearwardly. Suitable provisions well known in the art may be made to ensure proper indication in the windows 53 of the number of the negative revolutions of the tot lizer. For this purpose, the number wheels 50 may be provided, for instance,-with two series of digits one starting from 0 in the clockwise direction and the other one starting from the same digit 0 in the anticlockwise direction.

Where two amounts are to added, the first amount will be first set up in the window 19 and will then be introduced into the totalizer by a single revolution thereof in the clockwise direction. Thereafter, the second amount is set up in the window 19 "and is again introduced into the totalizer by a single revolution in clockwise direction. Where the second amount is to be subtracted from the first one, the rotation of the totalizer is effected in the anti-clockwise direction through one revolution.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the novel computing or calculating machine is of a very compact structure and is composed of a minimum of elements. Therefore, its dimensions may be easily so chosen that a person can carry the machine in his pocket. Moreover, the different computing operations can be easily and quickly performed in a foolproof manner and the amounts to be handled and the result of the computing operation are so clearly exhibited in the windows 19, 51 and 53 that they can be easily read. If desired, the windows may be equipped with magnifying lenses to improve the exhibition of the numbers.

Owing to the horizontal disposition and the circumferential distribution of the totalizer wheels 6a-6h on the rotary support 28 the vertical dimension of the machine, i.e. the distance of the top plate from the bottom plate of the housing, is reduced to a minimum. The width and length of the housing are extremely small owing to the compact structure of the actuating means including the stack of rod-shaped teeth 40. The overlapping disposition of the number wheels 29 and 50 affords ample space thereon for the accommodation of large digits which can be easily read. The axial displacement of the rotary totalizer by the annular cam 23 cooperating with the annular follower member 22 has the advantage that the sequential axial displacements of the totalizer can be easily and accurately performed with a minimum of friction.

The embodiment of the present invention described hereinabove with reference to the drawings is capable of numerous modifications. It is possible, for instance, to give the slides 5a-5e and the grooves 25 guiding them a straight shape rather than a curved shape. Other modifications will readily appear to anyone skilled in the art.

This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A computing machine comprising a frame, a rotary totalizer composed (1) of a support mounted in said frame for rotation about a totalizer axis and for stepwise displacement along said axis into sequential axial positions spaced equal distances, (2) of a plurality of denominational totalizer wheels mounted in said support for rotation about individual axes which extend parallel to said totalizer axis and are circumferentially distributed on a cylindrical surface coaxially surrounding said totalizer axis, said totalizer Wheels being located in different parallel planes which intersect said totalizer axis at right angles and are spaced said equal distances, and (3) of tencarrying means for rotating each totalizer wheel of one denomination by an angular unit upon completion of the rotation of the totalizer wheel of the next lower denomination through ten units, a stack of superimposed rows of teeth, each row having nine teeth and extending in a plane coinciding with one of said planes, said stack being mounted within said frame for successive engagement of said stack with said totalizer wheels upon rotation of said totalizer about said axis, each tooth being movable in said stack towards and away from said totalizer into engaging position and into a retracted position, and adjustable denominational multiplicand setting members mounted in said frame, each setting member being coordinated to one of said rows and connected with the teeth therein for moving a selected number of teeth representing a denomination of a multiplicand into engaging position while retracting the remainder of the teeth of said one of said rows into retracted position.

2. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 in which said ten-carrying means for each totalizer wheel comprises a cam fixed to said totalizer wheel, and a transfer gear meshing with the next one of said totalizer wheels and rotatably mounted in said support for engagement by said cam.

'3. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 in which said rotary totalizer further comprises clearing gears rotatably mounted in said support'and disposed within a common plane, each clearing gear being connected with one of said totalizer wheels for commonrotation, a manually operable gear coaxial with said support and mounted for movement into and out of engaging position in which it meshes with the clearing gears, and manual means for moving said manually operable gear into said engaging position and for effecting relative rotation between said manually operable gear and said support.

4. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising counting means cooperatively connected with said support for indicating the number of rotations per- [formed by said totalizer support in each of said axial positions, said number of rotations representing a denominational digit of the multiplier.

5. A computing machine as claimed in claim 4 in which said counting means comprises a cam fixed to said frame and a countergear rotatably mounted on said support in each of said parallel planes for actuation by said cam in one of said sequential axial positions.

.6. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 in which said rotary totalizer further comprises number wheels, each number wheel being coaxially connected with one of said totalizer wheels and having a larger diameter than said totalizer wheels, said number wheels overlapping each other.

7. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for the stepwise displacement of said totalizer into said sequential axial positions, said means comprising an annular rotary cam disposed on said frame coaxially to said rotary totalizer and follower means on said frame for displacement by said rotary cam and for axially displacing said totalizer upon rotation of said rotary cam.

8. A computing machine as claimed in claim 7 further comprising detent means on said annular rotary cam for resiliently arresting said annular rotary cam in sequential angular positions corresponding to said sequential axial positions of said rotary totalizer.

9. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 in which each of said adjustable denominational multiplicand setting members comprises a slide guided in said frame for engagement with one of said superimposed rows of teeth, said slide having a cam portion for moving said selected number of teeth into engaging position.

10. A computing machine as claimed in claim 9 in which each of said teeth has a recess between its ends, said slide extending through the recesses of all of the teeth of one of said rows, said slide having two relatively offset sections connected by said cam portion, one section moving the teeth through which it extends into said engaging position, while the other section moves the teeth through which it extends into said retracted position.

11. A computing machine as claimed in claim 10 in which the length of said slide is at least twice the length of said row of teeth.

12. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a restoring member movably mounted in said frame for engagement with and restoration of said multiplicand setting members to their initial positions in which they keep all of said teeth in said retracted positions.

13. A computing machine as claimed in claim 1 in which said adjustable denominational multiplicand setting members comprise parallel space slides guided in said frame and extending transversely through said stack, the teeth of each of said rows having transverse recesses in adjacent relationship communicating with each other to form a transverse passage extending through said stack, said stack having as many passage as superimposed rows of teeth are provided, each of said slides extending through one of said passages and having two relatively offset sections connected by a cam portion.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,233,066 7/1917 Lamb 235-74 1,237,822 8/1917 Rosenthal 23561 1,298,599 3/1919 Talbot 23574 3,022,942 2/1962 Van Veen 235-82 STEPHEN I. TOMSKY, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 23576, 109 

1. A COMPUTING MACHINE COMPRISING A FRAME, A ROTARY TOTALIZER COMPOSED (1) OF A SUPPURT MOUNTED IN SAID FRAME FOR ROTATION ABOUT A TOTALIZER AXIS AND FOR STEPWISE DISPLACEMENT ALONG SAID AXIS INTO SEQUENTIAL AXIS POSITIONS SPACED EQUAL DISTANCES, (2) OF A PLURALITY OF DENOMINATIONAL TOTALIZER WHEELS MOUNTED IN SAID SUPPORT FOR ROTATION ABOUT INDIVIDUAL AXES WHICH EXTEND PARALLEL TO SAID TOTALIZER AXIS AND ARE CIRCUMFERENTIALLY DISTRIBUTED ON A CYLINDRICAL SURFACE COAXIALLY SURROUNDING SAID TOTALIZER AXIS, SAID TOTALIZER WHEELS BEING LOCATED IN DIFFERENT PARALLEL PLANES WHICH INTERSECT SAID TOTALIZER AXIS AT RIGHT ANGLES AND ARE SPACED SAID EQUAL DISTANCES, AND (3) OF TENCARRYING MEANS FOR ROTATING EACH TOTALIZER WHEEL OF ONE DENOMINATION BY AN ANGULAR UNIT UPON COMPLETION OF THE ROTATION OF THE TOTALIZER WHEEL OF THE NEXT LOWER DENOMINATION THROUGH TEN UNITS, A STACK OF SUPERIMPOSED ROWS OF TEETH, EACH ROW HAVING NINE TEETH AND EXTENDING IN A 